I'm looking for anyone who can share their experiences. I am healthy, but I was just told my ma' has one. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
-- Modified on 10/5/2004 12:43:18 PM
but those are genuine. Your mother must be an exceptional woman to have brought you into the world. My sincerest wish for her best possible recovery and a peaceful spirit.
My father had an abdominal aneurysm.
They scheduled emergency surgery. An anueurysm is a weaking in the arterial wall. It's like a time bomb. You never know when its going to go off. Surgery is the only remedy.
Thoughts and prayers and empathy abound.
MY MOM HAD ONE IN HER HEAD AND HAD TO HAVE BRAIN SURGERY TO CLAMP IT OFF. IT'S BEEN 12 YEARS SINCE AND SHE RECOVERED FULLY AND HASN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS SINCE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BE POSITIVE.
The really good news in all this (yes, there is good news) is that it was found. By the time the problem is detected the other way and we who are medic's are called, it is way too late. We can't drive fast enough nore can they be flown out. With luck, the doc will get it repaired. The success rate is very good today.
Under a doc's care..she should be ok.
ozzy
An aneurysm is an abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel - often the aorta which is the largest artery in the body. Aneursyms of the abdominal aorta are common. If small, they are often watched with regular CT or ultrasound exams. If large they often need to be treated before they rupture which is a life threatening emergency.
Surgery for an abdominal aortic anuerysm is a major operation with significant morbidity and mortality that are dependent on the age and underlying health of the patient. Does she smoke or have diabetes or other serious heart problems that can complicate the surgery?
Recently, aneurysms have been treated with "stent grafts." These devices are placed through punctures in the femoral artery in the groin and are successfull in a high percentage of patients. This is a far less invasive procedure with much less morbidity and mortality when performed by an experienced vascular surgeon and/or interventional radiologist.
Brain and thoracic aortic anuerysms are a different story but I assume you are talking about the more common abdominal aorta.
The bottom line - new technologies (stent grafts) are making the treatment a lot safer and less invasive. Make sure you consult an experienced vascular surgeon. She will likely do just fine.
-- Modified on 10/6/2004 1:14:41 AM
Again, it depends on the location, size, etc. I sounds like it is not bleeding at this time so it can be treated electively.
While some of these patients need neurosurgery, others can be treated with catheter techniques where a small coil is placed through a catheter into the anuerysm which then clots off and scars. While this cannot be done in every case, for many patients it works great without surgery.
Do you live near a large medical center where this percutaneous embolization technique is offered by interventional neuroradiologists? Ask her neurosurgeon if this is an option - she may need to go to a larger medical center to have this done by someone who has lots of experience. Make sure the person you are consulting has special training in this technique and is well respected in the medical community.
I hope this helps.
-- Modified on 10/5/2004 9:52:50 PM
-- Modified on 10/5/2004 9:53:47 PM
What the hell IS it with the universe right now? So many people are going through rough times.
I hope that your info provides some potential hope for Sola in this difficult situation. I can only hope that as this may not be bleeding now, there is a chance to address it.
Hello new friend. So sorry to hear of this weight on your heart.
I think DocInTheBox offered you the most sage (and spirit) advice.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
B
Sorry to here about your Mom. I've had experience with anuerysm. My other half had it in April 2003. There are options depending on where it is and how big it is. Coiling is one method and the more conventional is surgery. I can share more of my experience if you e-mail me.
I appreciate the messages here, as well as the PM's. I've lots of research to do, and she has more tests to be done.
Please forgive me if I cannot get back to everyone who has sent their well-wishes, know that they are received.
In Love and Light,
Sola